A Short History of Malaysia: Linking East and West

Author: Virginia Matheson Hooker

Publisher: Allen & Unwin

Date: 2003

Pages: 345

Description:

The origins of Malaysia's aboriginal peoples, the years of Western domination in the country, and the forceful political stance of its current leader are all outlined in this lively and informative account of Malaysia's history and politics. A concise and accessible look at this constantly changing country, this book is perfect for travelers, students, teachers, and businesspeople.

Discussed are the major trends in its contemporary political life and the challenges the country faces in the 21st century as Malaysia serves as a model for rapid modernization. The lives of individuals from various time periods are examined to create a complete picture of Malaysia.

Also included are maps and illustrations.

PDF | 3.8 MB

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A Short History of Bali: Indonesia's Hindu Realm

Author: Robert Pringle

Publisher: Allen & Unwin

Date: 2004

Pages: 266

Description:

Covering the history of Bali from before the Bronze Age to the presidency of Megawati Sukarnoputri, this examination highlights the ethnic dynamics of the island and its place in modern Indonesia. Included is an analysis of the arrival of Indian culture, early European contact, and the complex legacies of Dutch control. Also explored are the island's contemporary economic progress and the environmental problems generated by population growth and massive tourist development.

PDF | 2.2 MB

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A Short History of Cambodia: From Empire to Survival

Author: John Tully

Publisher: Allen & Unwin

Date: 2005

Pages: 268

Description:

In this concise and compelling history, Cambodia’s past is described in vivid detail, from the richness of the Angkorean empire through the dark ages of the 18th and early-19th centuries, French colonialism, independence, the Vietnamese conflict, the Pol Pot regime, and its current incarnation as a troubled democracy.

With energetic writing and passion for the subject, John Tully covers the full sweep of Cambodian history, explaining why this land of contrasts remains an interesting enigma to the international community. Detailing the depressing record of war, famine, and invasion that has threatened to destroy Cambodia, this discussion shows its survival to be a testament to the resilience of the human spirit.

PDF | 2.1 MB

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A Short History of China and Southeast Asia: Tribute, Trade and Influence

Author: Martin Stuart-Fox

Publisher: Allen & Unwin

Date: 2003

Pages: 278

Description:

This informative but concise history of China and Southeast Asia is perfect for travelers, students, teachers, and businesspeople. Portable and attractively designed, it includes color illustrations, maps, and a brief history of the region. Explored are relations between China and Southeast Asia across two millennia; patterns of diplomacy, commercial networks, and migration; and how these have varied over time.

With a focus on modern history, this is a fascinating account of imperial ambition, internal collapse and revival, cultural and commercial endeavors, and war and revolution. Important insight into the complicated history of the fastest-growing region in the world is offered.

PDF | 3.3 MB

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A Short History of Indonesia: The Unlikely Nation?

Author: Colin Brown

Publisher: Allen & Unwin

Date: 2003

Pages: 270

Description:

This succinct work of history charts the growth of Indonesia, a remarkable nation of more than 6,000 inhabited islands. With lucid originality, the text incorporates more than 2 million years of history with depth and brevity -- particularly focusing on Indonesia's development into a microcosm of a multi-ethnic modern world. Many current concerns are perceptively addressed, such as the legacy of European-Asian trade, Dutch colonialism, and the emergence of what has become the largest Muslim population in the world.

PDF | 3.3 MB

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A Short History of Japan: From Samurai to Sony

Author: Curtis Andressen

Publisher: Allen & Unwin

Date: 2002

Pages: 252

Description:

Offering a compelling introduction to Japan's rich culture and fascinating history for travelers, businesspeople, and students, this guide discusses the influence of China; the impact of feudalism, modernization, and imperialism; Japanese history of war and peace; and today's economy and uncertainty. Traced are the threads of history, environment, and culture that run through the centuries to explain much about the Japan of today.

PDF | 2 MB

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A Short History of Laos: The Land in Between

Author: Grant Evans

Publisher: Allen & Unwin

Date: 2002

Pages: 251

Description:

This comprehensive and vivid history of Laos is an ideal introduction for tourists, business travelers, and students. Informative and portable, it chronicles the history of Laos from ancient times, when the dynastic states of the region waxed and waned, to the turmoil of the Vietnam War and independence from France.

This guide investigates these key events under a new light and presents serious challenges to the conventional views about Laos's intriguing history.

PDF | 2.1 MB

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